Space Briefing Book:

US Government


Civil Space Agencies

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

Within the U.S. government, civil space endeavors are managed primarily by NASA or NOAA, with input from other civil agencies.

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Space Policy Organizations

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

U.S. Government space policy is guided, developed and established by several organizations within the Executive Branch

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National Security Space Agencies

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

There are a variety of defense and intelligence agencies within the U.S. Government whose work holds a nexus to space activities.

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Space Oversight and Regulatory Bodies

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

The responsibilities for funding, overseeing and regulating U.S. space activities are spread across the Executive and Legislative branches of government.

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U.S. Space Executive Orders

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

U.S. space activities and priorities are established, in part, through Presidential Executive Orders (EOs), Space Policy Directives (SPDs), and policies.

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Space Policy Directives (SPDs)

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

Space Policy Directives (SPDs) provide information on U.S. policies and procedures as they relate to space activities.

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